Cheltenham V Bradford at Abbey Business Stadium : Match Preview

26 April 2013 11:31

Cheltenham will be boosted by the return of striker Paul Benson as they look to sneak into the automatic promotion places when they host Bradford.

The former Charlton striker warmed up with the team before the 1-0 win over Exeter on Saturday but was not part of the starting line-up having been sidelined since the defeat to Plymouth on April 6 with an ankle ligament sprain.

But the forward has confirmed he is fit and ready for action although Mark Yates looks likely to name an unchanged team as they prepare for a nervous 90 minutes. Cheltenham, already guaranteed a play-off spot, have to beat the Bantams and hope Rotherham lose at home to lowly Aldershot.

The sides are two points apart but Rotherham's impressive goal difference means a draw at the New York Stadium would see the Robins settling for a play-off spot.

Defender Harry Hooman was expected to be in and around the squad but an infection has halted his return from injury.

Bradford winger Kyel Reid is expected to miss the final game of the regular season.

Reid was forced out of last week's home win over Burton with a groin problem and is unlikely to be risked ahead of next week's play-off semi-finals.

Zavon Hines replaced Reid last Saturday and could return to the starting line-up, although manager Phil Parkinson has the option of recalling Will Atkinson.

Andrew Davies is continuing to manage a back problem and may also be kept on the sidelines with a view to next week's play-offs, while fellow defender James Meredith is nursing a bruised hip after taking a whack in the recent defeat to Rotherham.

Parkinson, who has no other new injury or suspension problems, may choose to rest several other players with his side already assured of a top-seven finish, with the likes of strikers Alan Connell and Andy Gray, defender Carl McHugh and midfielder Nathan Doyle all pushing for recalls.